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10 September 2018

World Suicide Prevention Day 2018

Don't suffer in silence. That's the message from Avon and
Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) on World Suicide
Prevention Day.

World Suicide Prevention Day is an awareness day and takes place
on 10th September every year. It aims to ensure worldwide
commitment and action to prevent suicides.

In 2017 there were 5,821 suicides registered in the UK, with
males accounting for three quarters of suicides (4,382). Suicide
rates were highest for males aged between 45 and 49 years old and
for females aged 50 to 54 years old.

Through its Suicide Prevention Strategy, AWP aims to mirror the
national target set by the Department of Health to reduce the
number of suicides by 10% by 2020.

On World Suicide Prevention Day AWP is reminding people that
there is always help and support available and if you have suicidal
thoughts you should talk to someone as this can help.

Director of Nursing for AWP, Julie Kerry, said: "Suicide is
devastating for all those involved so it is important that we
highlight the help and support available to anyone who may be
having suicidal thoughts and to anyone worried about a friend or
family who may be going through a difficult time. Confiding in
others is probably the single most important thing to do so we
would urge people to talk about their feelings.

"We would also encourage everyone to take part in the Zero
Suicide Alliance's 20 minute online training course to help
recognise the warning signs.

"AWP takes suicide prevention very seriously and we work closely
with other health agencies and public health specialists and
research teams to find ways to reduce the risk of suicide. We have
a suicide prevention strategy which sets out our work in this area
between now and 2020."

The Zero Suicide Alliance provides a free 20 minute online
training package, which is open to everyone. The course offers
guidance on how to spot the warning signs and advice on how to be
supportive and how to signpost an individual to the correct
services or support. To access the training visit
https://www.zerosuicidealliance.com/

Common myths about suicide:

• Myth: You have to be mentally ill to think about
suicide.
Fact: Around one in five adults say they have thoughts about
suicide at some point. Suicidal thoughts can range from feeling
that life isn't worth living anymore, to seriously considering
taking your own life. Not all people who die by suicide have mental
health issues. Two in three suicides are by people who are not
under mental health care.
• Myth: People who threaten suicide are just seeking
attention.
Fact: People who say they want to die should always be taken
seriously. It may well be that they want attention in the sense of
calling out for help and giving them this attention may save their
life.
• Myth: Once a person has made a serious suicide attempt, that
person is unlikely to make another.
Fact: People with a history of attempting suicide are at an
increased risk of dying by suicide. If someone has made an attempt
on their life, it is essential they are given appropriate support
and help.
• Myth: Talking about suicide is bad as it may give someone the
idea to try it.
Fact: People who have felt suicidal often say what a huge relief
it was to be able to talk about what they were experiencing.
Talking about suicidal feelings in an honest and non-judgmental way
can help break down the stigma associated with it, meaning people
are more likely to seek help and open up about how they feel.
Talking about suicide will not put the idea in someone's mind, but
will help make the topic less taboo.
• Myth: If a person is seriously thinking about taking their own
life then there is nothing you can do about it.
Fact: Suicide is not inevitable - all suicides are potentially
preventable. Many people who have had suicidal thoughts do not go
on to end their life. The most important thing is to assist them to
get the help they need.
• Myth: Most suicides happen in the winter months.
Fact: Suicide rates peak in spring but suicidal thoughts, feelings
and behaviour may happen to anyone at any time.
The AWP website contains details of a number of organisations and
support services, some of which are open around the clock. For more
details, visit www.awp.nhs.uk and click on the advice and support
section.

Alternatively, you can contact the Samaritans by telephoning 116
123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org or Papyrus by telephoning 0800
068 41 41 or by emailing pat@papyrus-uk.org

Alternatively, you can contact the Samaritans by telephoning 116
123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org or Papyrus by telephoning 0800
068 41 41 or by emailing pat@papyrus-uk.org

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